Aug. 2 – Conservation in Action
Learn about the Garden’s conservation efforts and what you can do at home to be a steward of the desert’s resources. Throughout the trails, guests will observe examples of rare and endangered plants the Garden conserved and see how water is used mindfully to care for these plants.

🌱 Discover how milkweed supports pollinators and take home a milkweed planting kit to grow at home.
🌵What plants grow best in our desert heat? Learn what plants thrive, which ones just survive, and what you can do to help your plants at home this summer.
🚿 Explore the water-saving strategies we’ve learned from desert plants.

Aug. 9 – The Nopal Way
Join the prickly pear celebration! Discover the hidden magic of this iconic cactus. From food tasting to cactus leather to educational stations, come learn about the prickly pear cactus.

🍴Have you ever eaten a cactus? Now’s your chance. Watch pro chefs turn prickly pear (aka nopal and tuna) into mouthwatering dishes. Learn how to cook cactus like a boss – no band-aides required.
🌵Prickly pear is the ultimate low-maintenance plant BFF – they thrive in the Sonoran Desert and are easy to grow. Learn how to grow your own prickly pear and keep it thriving.
🐛 Pink with bugs? Cochineal insects create that iconic pinkish-purple dye used in everything from clothes to candy. Learn how these tiny creatures are behind of our favorite colors and use some cochineal paint for your own artistic creation.

Aug. 16 – Farm to Friends
Explore the different types of farms in Arizona! Our state became known for citrus and cotton but there’s so much more that is cultivated here to provide healthy food options. Our stations will show you how farming is part of Arizona’s roots.

Aug. 23 – Science Fair and Research Night
Dig into the Garden’s first-ever science fair and research night! Learn what drives scientific curiosity of Valley teens and also take advantage of opportunities to go on behind-the-scenes tours hosted by the Garden’s scientists and docents. Discover how researchers of all ages are working to protect our desert and the plants and animals that live here.

Aug. 30 – Critter Crawl
Join our second installment of Critter Crawl—a nighttime adventure packed with desert creatures, hands-on activities and surprises around every corner!

🔦 Head to the pond to spot frogs and toads on the move!
🕷️ Meet our desert spiders and discover how their behaviors help them thrive at night.
🐍 Say hello to friendly snakes and learn how they fit into the desert ecosystem.
🦉 Explore the world of critters that fly —from those you’ll see before sunset to the mysterious ones that come out after dark.
🎭 Plus, The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is back with “Old McDonald’s Ranch”—a fun twist on the classic show where desert animals take the spotlight instead of barnyard friends!